Man Arrested For Illegal Video Poker Machine Gambling Operation

Illegal Video Poker machines are extremely popular in bars around the country these days. They are also illegal when they pay out their winners. Most owners who operate these machines claim they are for amusement only.

Police are not fooled by the scam these owners are running, and over the weekend, they busted one of these illegal operations in a most unlikely of scenarios.

Kentucky State Police troopers were doing their normal patrolling over the weekend when they saw a suspicious man lurking around a business that was closed. They went looking for the man, and their search ended up inside the closed business.

What they found inside was people playing poker on video machines. The machines were equipped with ways to accept money. The alleged owner of the operation admitted to police that he was paying out winners on a daily basis.

Larry D. Atkins was charged with eight counts of first degree promoting gambling. He was taken into custody and released on $200 bond.

Unfortunately for Atkins, had he waited a few months the machines may have been legal. The Governor of Kentucky, Steve Beshear, has vowed to have voters decide whether to legalize gambling in the state.

Atkins' arraignment is set for January 23rd.



2008-01-08